Battery manufacturing hopeful Freyer has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Glencore International for the ‘potential’ supply of ethically sourced and traceable raw materials for lithium-ion cells.
The materials would be used at Freyer’s 40GWh lithium-ion battery cell facilities in Mo i Rana, Norway, that it plans to build by 2025.
Both firms will identify requirements and terms for potential supply and consider joint research and development projects to adjust the quality, shape or form of the raw materials.
The companies will support responsible artisanal and small-scale cobalt mining in the battery supply chain by supporting development of international standards and traceability schemes for cobalt mining.
The companies also plan to discuss R&D projects for the recycling of lithium batteries.
December also saw Freyer appoint Motoaki Nishijima as head of research and development to lead the firm’s development of low-cost and high energy-density battery cells made with renewable hydro and wind power.
He will be tasked with formally establishing the company’s R&D organisation in close cooperation with the battery cell research department at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
In July, the firm secured NOK130 million ($13 million) of pre-construction financing to complete the design and technology selection process and enable the development of a 2GWh Fast Track battery cell manufacturing plant in Mo i Rana, Rana.
It was one of several initial agreements in the form of MoUs, with Freyer also signing deals for the industrial scale off take of battery cells in marine and stationary segments and for long-term supply of battery materials and production equipment.
It also signed a non-binding framework agreement with 24M Technologies related to in-licensing of advanced lithium-ion cell manufacturing process and platform.